This delightful escorted tour begins in Oslo, then travels to Trondheim by train. From Trondheim, you will embark on a Havila voyage to Bergen, stopping at several charming ports along the picturesque Norwegian coastline. During a leisurely hike to Bondhusdalen and cruise on Hardangerfjord you can marvel at towering waterfalls and sparkling blue waters. Experience the spectacular Flåm Railway journey, followed by a cruise on the Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord from to Gudvangen, a village that is a home to Viking heritage and folklore. Then on to Borgund and Gol, high in the mountains. The tour finishes back in Oslo.
Itinerary
Day 1 Oslo Arrival
Welcome to the Kingdom of Norway – a country with the most beautiful fjords on Earth. Arrival at Oslo Airport and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you can start exploring Norway already today. Walk along the streets and explore the city of the royal family, and the main Karl Johan’s Street, with many shops, bars, and cafes. Meet with your tour leader at the hotel reception at 18:00 this evening. Overnight at Thon Europa Hotel or similar.
Day 2 Oslo - Trondheim by Train
Morning transfer to Oslo station and departure by train towards Trondheim, approx. 5.5hrs duration. This journey offers stunning views of the Norwegian countryside, lake Mjosa and the Vinstra region along the way. Arrival in Trondheim, the third largest city in Norway. Vikings settled on the estuary of the Nidelven River in the tenth century. Before the sixteenth century it was called Nidaros. A green and flowery city, it is pleasant to stroll in the pedestrian streets and the old quarters. Upon arrival, join a locally guided walking tour that will pass the gothic Nidaros Cathedral. Overnight at Scandic Nidelven Hotel Trondheim or similar.
Day 3 Overnight Havila Voyage Trondheim - Bergen, optional Atlantic Ocean Road Drive
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on Havila. Cruise through the wide Trondheim fjord, bounded by rolling farmland on both sides and enter the coast and the open sea. Optional Atlantic Ocean Road drive: disembark in Kristiansund and be driven along the Atlantic Ocean Road sector, which has been called the world's most beautiful drive. The road meanders along islets and skerries, and afterwards you re-embark in Molde. Lunch on board. Dinner and overnight in a superior sea view cabin.
Day 4 Havila Bergen Arrival
Breakfast on board. The last day of the Havila journey takes you through a diverse coastal landscape of bare rocky mountains and a maze of sounds and waterways between islands. Lunch on board. Afternoon arrival in Bergen, Gateway to the Fjords of Norway. As a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture, the Bergen region has the ideal combination of nature, culture, and exciting urban life all year around. Disembark and transfer to your hotel. Join a locally guided walking tour of the city. Pass through Hanseatic Bryggen, with the church of Mary, Hakon Fortress and the famous Fish Market. Two nights at Scandic Ornen Hotel Bergen or similar.
Day 5 Bergen: Floibanen and Fish Market
This morning you will admire a view from mountains surrounding Bergen on the Fløibanen funicular. The experience is one of Norway’s most popular attractions, with the the journey up to Fløyen taking approx. 5-8mins. The views over the city are breathtaking. After the funicular round trip, you will sample specialities such as smoked salmon and fresh shrimp at one of the Fish Market restaurants. Remainder of the day at leisure. Second overnight in Bergen.
Day 6 Bergen - Bondhus - Hardangerfjord - Voss
Morning departure towards Hardangerfjord. Short ferry to reach Bondhus. From here you will start your leisurely, scenic hike to Bondhusdalen, approx. 30mins on the trail. The magnificent icefall and valley have drawn tourists here for centuries. As you walk from the quay in Sundal, a hamlet on the shore of the Maurangerfjord, you are retracing a historic path toward Bondhusvatnet lake. Late afternoon Sorfjorden Cruise by electric boat to enjoy Hardanger, known as one of the most romantic destinations in Norway. Fruit production is the core of Hardanger, and in May/June the fjord is surrounded by rows on rows of fruit trees blossoming in pink and white. Enjoy the views to the snow-covered peaks and scenic landscape dotted with small farms and cute villages from the vessel's deck or lounge. Dinner and overnight at Scandic Voss Hotel or similar.
Day 7 Voss - Flam Railway - Gudvangen - Borgund - Gol
Morning departure by train to Myrdal mountain station, located 13km from the village Flåm. There you will switch to the famous Flåmsbana train and travel on one of the steepest trainlines in the world. The train journey runs through steep mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and many tunnels with spectacular views. Arrival in Flåm and join a cruise to Gudvangen (schedule permitting), sailing through the idyllic Sognefjord, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Time at leisure in Gudvangen to explore this village, once inhabited by Vikings. Continue by coach toward Gol, high in the mountains. Stop en-route in Borgund at the Borgund Stave Church, and admire the exterior of this exceptionally well preserved example of medieval architecture. Dinner and overnight at Storefjell Resort Gol or similar.
Day 8 Gol - Oslo
Continue along the scenic Norwegian highlands and coast of Lake Kroderen. In the afternoon, upon arrival in Oslo, you will join a locally guided city sightseeing tour, including a visit to Vigeland Park. You will also see the magnificent Royal Palace, City Hall and Akershus Fortress. Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight at Thon Hotel Europa Oslo or similar.
Day 9 Oslo Departure
Transfer from hotel to Oslo Airport and end of arrangements.
2024 departures:
12, 23 June
04 July
09 August
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 33 passengers
All optional excursions must be pre-booked.
Pre and post nights can be added - please enquire.
